Houdini still missing, Alexandria restaurant offers reward

Houdini, a 3-year-old Australian Shepherd, has been seen around Alexandria since he was lost more than two months ago. (Courtesy Facebook)

WASHINGTON — A 3-year-old Australian Shepherd has become local legend in Alexandria after escaping from a foster family’s Del Ray house more than two months ago and successfully avoiding capture despite multiple sightings.

Now, a local Alexandria restaurant, Pork Barrel BBQ, is getting in on the search by offering one year’s worth of free meals to whoever tracks down Houdini, ABC7 reports.

“I love dogs,” Pork Barrel BBQ Owner Bill Blackburn told ABC 7. “I have two dogs myself and I would be devastated if we lost one of those.” That’s why he’s trying to perk your appetite to find the missing Aussie.”

The shepherd was staying with an Alexandria family who was considering adopting him when he escaped, ABC7 says. Since then, residents have spotted the dog around town and taken pictures. He’s become known as one of the most infamous lost dogs in Alexandria history, Blackburn told ABC7.

His breeder says part of the problem in catching him is that he gets scared when people chase after him. Updates are on the search are posted on the “Have You Seen Houdini?” Facebook page.